Funky thing

K SHIVRAJ

Saturday, 21 April 2018

TVS Motor Company has upped the game in gearless scooters by launching the 125cc Ntorq. Aiming at the growing demand for premium and powerful scooters, the Ntorq looks funky. Its styling is said to have been inspired by the appearance of a stealth fighter aircraft. Looking very different from the crop of seemingly conservatively styled gearless scooters including TVS’ very own Jupiter, the Ntorq should appeal to young buyers looking at more than a mere scooter.

TVS Motor Company has upped the game in gearless scooters by launching the 125cc Ntorq. Aiming at the growing demand for premium and powerful scooters, the Ntorq looks funky. Its styling is said to have been inspired by the appearance of a stealth fighter aircraft. Looking very different from the crop of seemingly conservatively styled gearless scooters including TVS’ very own Jupiter, the Ntorq should appeal to young buyers looking at more than a mere scooter.

In the same league as the Honda Dio, which is almost as funky looking, the new scooter, at front, flaunts a panel that is sharply raked and contains the head lamp. The head lamp is V-shaped and goes well with the shape of the front panel. A clear lens unit with LED daytime running lights, it is fixed and does not swivel every time the handlebar is turned. The turn indicators are a part of the handlebar console. If the band of contrasting colour makes for an interesting visual form, the Ntorq is a combination of angular forms interspersed by sharp lines.

Under-seat storage: 22-litres
Finished in a contrast colour of black, the 12-inch dia alloys add to the styling. Subtle touches like brushed aluminium look on the foot pegs and elements that convey a carbon-fibre look add to its funkiness. The seat with red stitching makes it interesting and the T-shaped LED tail lamp with diffused effect also look cool.

The rear vents add to its funky looks, and the turn indicators look well integrated. The chunky split grab-rail is easy to hold, and useful therefore. An interesting styling element is the exhaust muffler, finished in black. Mount the Ntorq, and attention is drawn to the digital instrument console, which displays the reserve fuel light, and power and eco mode. Featuring an engine kill switch and a pass light switch, the scooter is also equipped with an under-seat light, USB charger and a parking brake. Like the Jupiter, the fuel filler cap does not require the rider to open the seat to access the fuel-filler cap; it is next to the seat. The under-seat storage space is a good 22-litres; it however cannot accommodate a full-face helmet.

Ntorq app
The upright riding position is supported by good ergonomics and a comfortable seat. Thumb the starter, and the engine settles down to a refined idle. Before moving away, one could choose to get the instrument console to display over 30 parameters including 0-60kmph acceleration, a top speed recorder, average speed, service reminder and more. While the ‘Smart Xonnect’ uses Bluetooth to sync the instrument console with a smartphone, the inclusion of Ntorq app gets the rider to view various details like incoming call alerts, SMS alerts, missed call alerts, high speed alert, phone battery level and signal strength. It can also generate a trip report and indicate the location where the scooter was last parked. There’s an amount of customisation that can be done too. TVS has also partnered with MapmyIndia to provide navigation assist. To ensure that the destination is not missed, the app can automatically re-route.
Top speed: 90kmph plus

Twist the throttle, and the scooter takes off without any hesitation. It feels refined, and accelerates well to settle down in a speed range of 50-60kmph. The three-valve single cylinder 9.5bhp, 124.7cc engine has the scooter offering good ride-ability. Providing good amount of power in the mid-range, the Ntorq could do with some more power at lower revs, just to make city riding that much easier. Doing good speeds on an open road, the refinement of the scooter is impressive. Top speed is claimed to be a little over 90kmph, and fuel efficient is said to be in the same league as the Activa 125 and Access 125.

Verdict
Displaying good handling dynamics, the ride quality of the Ntorq is very good. If the ability to stay planted inspires confidence, the scooter tackles road irregularities well; only the most harsh tend to affect the ride quality. Not too soft or stiff, the Ntorq is fun to ride. The petal disc front brake and rear drum brake provide a good bite. Priced at Rs 58,790 ex-showroom Delhi, the Ntorq makes a scooter in its category that is smart and offers very good value.